U.S. Stores Offer Double-Value Gift Cards as the Penny Disappears Nationwide

A supermarket chain operating across several states in the northeastern United States says it is addressing the current shortage of coins by offering customers an important incentive.

Shoppers at Price Chopper and Market 32 stores—which operate in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont—are being asked to bring in their pennies in exchange for a Price Chopper gift card worth double their value.

In a statement published on its official website, the company said:“With pennies disappearing from wallets and cash registers across the country, Price Chopper and Market 32 are inviting customers to double their money. To help keep cash transactions running smoothly, on Sunday, November 16, all stores will host a ‘Coin Exchange Day’ from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.”

During this one-day event, the value of each penny becomes two cents when exchanged for a Market 32 or Price Chopper gift card equal to twice the total amount. This means that $10 worth of pennies can earn a $20 gift card, redeemable for future store purchases.

To participate, customers simply bring their rolled or loose pennies to the customer service desk, where the total amount will be counted and matched with an instant gift card. The exchange amount must be at least 50 cents (earning a $1 card) and no more than $100 (earning a $200 card).

The statement added that with the U.S. Treasury planning to end penny production in 2026, fewer coins are being minted, and fewer are being recirculated into the economy. As a result, the national supply of pennies is shrinking, making it harder for retailers to provide exact change to customers who prefer to pay in cash. Price Chopper and Market 32 remain committed to exceptional service, including ensuring smooth and accurate transactions.

Blaine Bringhurst, president of Market 32 and Price Chopper, said:“Cash transactions remain an essential part of how we serve our customers, especially those who prefer to pay with cash. We want to continue offering a great checkout experience—right down to the last penny.”

He added that “Double Exchange Day gives customers an opportunity to partner with us in this effort, while also receiving a reward for helping us manage our coin inventory responsibly as the country prepares to phase out the penny. We also know many families across our six-state network are struggling right now, and this is another unique way our team is working to support them.”

According to The Hill, Price Chopper is not the only retailer concerned about the disappearance of the penny. Other retailers have complained that the federal government’s gradual elimination of the coin came suddenly and without official guidance on how to manage transactions.

Some stores have begun rounding prices to avoid shortchanging shoppers, while others urge customers to bring exact change. The more creative retailers have even offered prizes—such as a free drink—in exchange for a pile of pennies.

Jeff Lenard of the National Association of Convenience Stores said last month:“We’ve advocated for eliminating the penny for 30 years. But this is not the way we hoped it would happen.”

Earlier this week, the U.S. Mint printed its last penny ever, after months of significantly reduced one-cent coin production.

During the final minting process, workers at the Philadelphia Mint stood quietly on the factory floor, as if bidding farewell to an old friend. When the last coins rolled out, the men and women broke into applause and cheers.
“It’s an emotional day, but not a surprising one,” said Clayton Crotty, who worked at the Mint for fifteen years.